Communications Specialist

Title: Communications Specialist

Location: Franklin, TN

Workstyle: Onsite/ In Office

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits

The Communications Specialist role will work with the External Affairs team to help execute a reputation strategy, communications programs, brand PR initiatives, and sponsorships and partnerships that drive increased awareness, relevance and growth of Mars Pet Nutrition and its brands in North America. Work will include planning and executing external activations, developing communications materials and supporting thought leadership strategy and content to elevate the profile of the company and support the organization’s priorities, all in support of the company’s purpose: A Better World for Pets.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Support Corporate and Brand initiatives that increase awareness and relevance of Mars’ portfolio of Pet Nutrition North America brands, and Purpose, including but not limited to: Corporate Communications, Brand PR, Mars Volunteer Program (MVP), Community Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, Sports Collaborations, and Communications and Programming. 
• Maintain a strong understanding of current and new media trends which can help influence reach or target audience, with a growth and digital-first approach.
• Support planning and execution of Brand PR, corporate communications, and BETTER CITIES FOR PETS initiatives in collaboration with the External Affairs and Marketing teams.
• Partner with Director of Brand Communications and agencies to execute communications strategies and activations for select brands in the Mars PNNA portfolio.
• Develop, write, edit, and distribute communications materials including press releases, internal story alerts, corporate statements, corporate materials, presentations and speeches.
• Execute charitable contribution requests, ticket and sponsorship deliverable management and allocation, and samples distribution, collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Support team budget management, including opening Purchase Orders and maintaining budget tracker.
• Monitor company and competitor news to identify emerging issues and storylines and deliver regular monitoring updates to Corporate Affairs team.
• Support proactive and reactive media relations, and event opportunities.
• Lead workstream to develop cross-team processes to improve efficiency of EA team and ability for team to partner effectively across Pet Nutrition North America.

What We Are Looking For

·      Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or associated profession is required, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• 1-3 years relevant professional experience in brand, corporate or internal communications or project management with proven success developing and managing communications programs.

·       Must have strong oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders in a large organization
• Digitally savvy.
• Agency experience a plus
• Ability to travel

What can you expect from Mars? 

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. 

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. 

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. 

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. 

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